The CEO's Runaway Baby Mama

The Man Ava Ran From

For one second neither of them moved. Ava stared at Daniel as if the seven years between them had vanished. It was him, older, broader, harder around with edges. The boy she had loved had become a man who looked as though the world had taught him not to trust easily, but his eyes were exactly the same. Now they were filled with shock.

Ava? she stepped backward, then another step. The instinct was so powerful that her body moved before her mind could catch up..

I have to go, she turned. Ava wait. His hand closed gently around her wrist. She froze, the warmth of his touch sent a painful shiver through her.

Let me go, she whispered. No. The single word was quiet but it carried authority that made her look at him. Daniel released her wrist, but he didn't step aside.

You disappeared, he said. Seven years ago, no explanation, no goodbye. Ava swallowed. The twins were nearby . Lily was holding Ethan's hand watching the two adults with innocent curiosity.. No here, Ava whispered. Daniel's gaze flickered toward the children. Then where? Please.

Seven years Ava. His voice cracked on her name. You don't get to stand in front of me after all this time and tell me please. I deserve an explanation.

She couldn't handle the possibility that he might look at Lily and Ethan and recognize something she had spent seven years trying to protect.

I won't discuss the past in front of my children. Daniel's expression changed. My children? Ava's blood ran cold. She had not meant to say it like that.

Daniel studied her face. Are they yours? Ava nodded, yes. How old are they? her fingers curled tightly around the strap of her handbag. Six. Daniel went completely still. Six? Ava couldn't look at him. Yes.

You left Rosewood seven years ago. Ava said nothing. You disappeared, he continued slowly and now you have six year old twins. She finally looked at him. His eyes were no longer confused. They were searching. Are they mine? . The question she had feared for seven years had been spoken at last.

Ava opened her mouth, nothing came out. Daniel stared at her. Ava, are those children mine? Her lips trembled. They are mine she said. What does that mean? They are my children. I know that. That's not what I asked.

Ava looked toward Lily and Ethan. Lily was smiling at what Ethan said. They were safe, that was all that mattered. I raised them alone, Ava whispered. Daniel's face went pale. So they are mine. She didn't answer.

Daniel took a step backward. You knew they were mine. Ava said nothing. And you never told me? Several people nearby glanced in their direction. Ava immediately lowered hers

Please don't do this here. Don't do this? Daniel gave a humourless laugh

You kept my children from me. I didn't. What did you do then? She flinched. Daniel's anger was no longer hiding the hurt beneath it .

I thought you abandoned me, he said. I spent years wondering what I had done wrong.

That isn't what happened. Then tell me what happened. Ava's eyes burned, she wanted to tell him, but when she wanted to reveal the truth, she saw her father's face. He had made his warning clear. Daniel would never come looking for her.

At twenty one, frightened and pregnant. Ava had believed him

She had left Rosewood with a broken heart and a secret that would soon become two tiny lives.

She had never contacted Daniel because she believed there was no road back. Daniel's voice pulled her back. Who stopped you from contacting me? Ava's breath caught . No one. Don't lie to me. I said no one.

Then why didn't you call. Because.... she stopped. Because my father told me you didn't want us.. The words almost escaped, but then she looked at Lily. One careless confession would drag her children into a war they had never asked for.

I couldn't, Ava whispered. You have no idea what happened seven years ago. Then tell me. I can't. Why? Because it isn't just about us anymore.

His gaze shifted toward the twins, a strong realization flickered across his face.

Before he could speak. Lily tugged on Ava's coat. Mommy? Ava crouched immediately. What is it sweetheart? Lily looked at Ava then at Daniel. Is he our daddy?

Ava's face is drained of color. Daniel stared at the child, his child. There was no DNA test, but looking at Lily, he saw something familiar in the shape of her.

Ava grabbed both children's hands. We are leaving. But mommy, now. She hurried them away before either child could ask another question.

Daniel didn't follow, but this time something inside refused to accept it. He pulled out his phone. Marcus his assistant answered immediately. Yes sir? .

I need everything you can find on Ava . A pulse. Daniel watched Ava disappear around the corner . Where she lives.

Marcus hesitated, are you sure you want me to do this? . I have never been more sure of anything. Understood? And Marcus, find out why she left Rosewood. Daniel ended the call.

There had been fear in her eyes and Daniel intended to find out.

Ava barely remembered the drive home.

Lily had Ethan sit quietly in the back seat sensing that something was wrong. Ava's hands trembled on the wheel

We are leaving, she whispered. Lily's head lifted, why?; Because mommy needs to take care of something. Ava couldn't tell her the truth. She would pack tonight. They would leave before Daniel could learn anything more .

She had survived seven years without him , she could survive another seven.

But when she arrived in her office, Daniel was already waiting outside. Ava dropped dead.

He stood beside a black car, his hands in his coat pocket. His expression is unreadable.

Her heart sank. How did you find me? I told you, Daniel said, you can't run from me this time.

Daniel, please we need to talk. He stepped closer. I want the truth Ava. She shook her head. For a moment she saw the man . Daniel stepped a few feet away.

I lost seven years, I am not losing another day. Ava's eyes filled with tears. She wanted to run, but she knew deep inside that the life she had built was beginning to crack.and somewhere in Rosewood someone else had just received news that Ava and Daniel had found each other again. Someone who knew the truth about the twins